The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-08-30
THE WHITE MANS WAR.
Militia and Cowboys TreacherousIy
Attack the utes.
Old coIorow Under the Protection of
Regular Troops.
The Ute Chief More sinned Against
Than Shining.

WASHINGTON. ID. c., August 29.-L.euten-
ant Burnett. Of the Ninth Cavalry, has
been sent with II troopers, at the request of
Colonel Byrnes, the Indian agent at Fort
Duchesne. to the border of the Ute reserva-
tion to prevent the invasion OF the reserya-
tion by the Colorado militia and cowboys
Lieutenant Burnett telegraphed Colonel
Byrnes, August 2oth, as follows: ''The Col
orado militia under Major Leslie and some
cowboys surprised Colorow's camp at a..
m. yesterday, having assured Colorow the
day before that they would be allowed to go
back to their reservation unmolested. The
attack was complete surprise to the Indi-
ans. One child was killed and man and
woman slightly wounded. The Indians re-
turned the fire, killing cowboy and wound
ing three Others, besides mortally wounding
three militia soldiers. l talked with Major
Leslie this morning, explaining the situa-
ton, and we came to an understanding. He
assured me that he would not cross the res
ervation line without orders from the proper
authorities. | am satisfied that my presence
prevented serious lighting and much loss Of
life. Thanks to the influence Of Interpreter
Curtis, the Indians Ungaskel, Wass Cavan-
augh and many others, who want peace II
possible, or war to the knife, think that
the trouble is over. Most of the Indians
left at once to see you."
Colonel Randlett, the commander of the
post at Fort Duchesne, in forwarding the
despatch to the War Department. adds:
"AgentlByrnes has shown great discretion.
He has the confidence Of the Indians per-
fectly, and IL they are not attacked on the
reservation will hold them securely. They
are well armed and superbly mounted.
None OF those Who lived on the reservation
went to Colorow's assistance until after the
attack. 1t is reported by Burnett that he Is
now on the reservation. IL further pursuit
Is made by the Colorado troops, the Indians
will stay with Colorow and make terrible
tale OF bloodshed. The tribes are armed
and preparing for defense"
Colonel Randlett also says that General
Crook will be at Rawlins, so miles north Of
where the fight occurred. tomorrow morning.
The Story from Denver.
DENVER, Col. August GA telegram
from Meeker says that information has been
received that in Thursdays battle with Col
GROW, i've whites were killed instead Of two,
and four were wounded. Seven Of the Indi-
ans and two squaws were killed, and five
wounded. No fighting has occurred since
Thursday. Over 600 Indians are camped
within six miles. The Indians are ready to
hight at the least provocation. The loss Of
nearly 800 ponies and the killing of the
squaws made them wild and ready for re-
yenge. Colorow, 1t is reported, says he can
get Heaps Of young bucks from White
River, heaps Uncompahgre, heap Navajo,
who are young and want heap to tight. I'm
lesslthe white men golback, Colorow will send
for them" IL he should attack the militia
and settlers, 1t is estimated that it would
take the combined efforts of 1000 regulars to
drive them back to their reservation.
A Warrant Out.
DENVER, August 27.-News has been re-
ceived from Glenwood Springs of the swear
ing out of warrant for Colorow ON charge
of murder, ty +. III. Swindler. A courier
starts tonight for Sheriff Kendall with the
warrant. 1t will now be difficult to settle
matters without the surrender Of Colorow.